The Blessed Virgin Mary

Catholics regard the Virgin Mary with special devotion, and scenes from her life appear on many works of religious art, as well as on vestments and everyday objects. The Catholic church teaches that Mary was free from original sin and that at the end of her life on Earth she was taken up, body and soul, into Heaven - an event referred to as the Assumption. Because Mary is so revered, several festivals associated with her are held throughout the church year.